David Brindley named Channel 4 Director of Programmes
October 8, 2026 11.11 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Channel 4 has appointed Twofour Chief Executive David Brindley as its new Director of Programmes, giving him responsibility for commissioning across the broadcaster’s scripted and unscripted output.

Brindley will join Channel 4 in January 2027, returning to the broadcaster where he previously worked as a Commissioning Editor for Documentaries. He will also become an executive member of the Channel 4 Board.

The appointment completes a restructuring of Channel 4’s commissioning leadership under Chief Executive Priya Dogra, with Brindley taking responsibility for editorial direction, programme development and commissioning strategy.

He will work alongside Louisa Compton, Director of News, Digital and Audience Trust, and Kiran Nataraja, Director of Content Strategy, who oversees portfolio planning and acquisitions.

Brindley joins from ITV Studios-owned Twofour, where he has served as Chief Executive and Executive Producer, overseeing programmes including The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, Educating Yorkshire, Destination X and I Kissed a Boy.

Twofour was named Production Company of the Year at the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival.

Before joining Twofour, Brindley was Head of Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, overseeing more than 350 hours of programming annually. His commissions included Race Across the World, Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing and Interior Design Masters.

During his previous spell at Channel 4, he worked on factual series including One Born Every Minute, 24 Hours in A&E and 999: What’s Your Emergency?, as well as commissioning the First Cut strand for emerging documentary talent.

Priya Dogra said the appointment was part of Channel 4’s plans to increase investment in distinctive British programming and strengthen relationships with independent producers.

“As we reshape Channel 4 to invest more in distinctive British content and back creative talent across the UK, I wanted a Director of Programmes who would be able to take ambitious risks in programming and deliver powerful shows that make a cultural impact,” she said.

Brindley said his priority would be to strengthen Channel 4’s relationship with audiences and the independent production community.

“I want Channel 4 to be the place where those creatives and producers feel trusted and free to do their most challenging, entertaining and distinctive work,” he said.

The appointment places Brindley at the centre of Channel 4’s creative strategy as the broadcaster seeks to balance investment in original British programming with changing viewing habits and the continued growth of streaming.